pilgrimage to ireland

Departure from Canada

Evening departure on Air Canada direct flight from Toronto to Dublin.

Dublin

Morning arrival in Dublin. Tour of Dublin, visit Mercy Convent, the first house of Mother Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Visit the Trinity College Library, home of the famous 8th century Book of Kells and onwards to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest, followed by St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight in Dublin.

Dundalk - Kildare - Kilkenny

Today, we depart to Dundalk to visit one of iconic sites, Saint Brigid’s Shrine and well Faughart. On to Kildare, where we meet Saint Brigid of Kildare for the first time, the site of her Cathedral and round tower. We then journey to Moone, another 6th century monastery and founded by St Columba. It is famous for its unique tall high Cross. Onwards to Kilkenny for dinner and overnight.

Kilkenny

Morning we will visit the 13th century Kilkenny Castle overlooking the River Nore and the Cathedral of St Canice. In the afternoon we travel out to Rock of Cashel standing high in the middle of the “Golden Vale” dating from the 12th century. The Cathedral, the Round Tower, and the Cormac Chapel testify to the significance of this site. Return to Kilkenny for overnight

Dungarvan - Ardmore - Cork

Today we journey south and follow the coastal road vis the fishing town of Dungarvan. We soon come to the remote coastal village of Ardmore in honour of St Declan. It is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland. Visit St. Declan’s Well. On to Cork for dinner and overnight.

Cork - Killarney - Tralee

Morning, visit the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne. On to the unique port town of Cobh, visit Cobh’s Cathedral, dedicated to St Colman who founded the diocese in the 6th century. Drive through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to Killarney. Travel around McGillicuddy Reeks and past the beautiful Killarney Lakes to Ladies View for a spectacular photographic opportunity. Overnight in Tralee

Dingle peninsula

Today, we travel along the coast road to Slea Head, the most westerly point in Europe. Visit the 12th century Church at Kilmalkedar and the famous Gallarus Oratory which is the most impressive early Christian monument on the Dingle peninsula. Visit the beehive huts and spend some time in the lively fishing port of Dingle. Passing the 3,000-foot Mt Brandon we journey back to Tralee.

Limerick - Ennis - Galway

Today, we drive through picturesque Adare, on to the city of Limerick, where we see the 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral. On to Ennis, visit the Franciscan Friary. In the afternoon drive through the Clare Coast along the majestic 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On through the floral wonders of Burren to Galway the City of Tribes.

Galway - Knock - Derry

We begin our day visiting the lovely Galway Cathedral and hear about the infamous Lynch Stone. We travel north to Knock. Visit the Church of Apparitions where Our Lady appeared in the evening of 21 August 1879. This afternoon we depart to Londonderry. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight in Derry

Derry - Belfast

Morning visit St. Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry. Drive to Belfast. See an exhibition at Titanic Belfast and shipyard, where the Titanic story comes to life. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight in Belfast.

Newtownards - Downpatrick - Ar

Early departure to Newtownards. Visit St. Patrick Cathedral. After visiting you will be met by your guide for the day, who will explain all about the life, myths and facts about St. Partick’s legacy in Ireland as you follow the Saint Patrick Trail. The tour starts with a visit of Mount Stewart House and Gardens, located on the shore of scenic Strangford Lough. We continue to Downpatrick to visit Down Cathedral and the Tomb of Saint Patrick followed by entry to the Saint Patrick Centre before heading to Armagh, where Saint Patrick is said to have lived, famous for its two Cathedrals, named after the patron Saint of Ireland. Depart to Dublin. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Irish evening at the lively Merry Ploughboy Pub, including dinner, great entertainment and an invitation to enjoy Irish dancing. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

Return to Canada

Morning we are transferred to the airport for our direct flight back to Toronto.